on September 12th, 2013

12

Sep

Working in the world of chefs and restaurants, I see the name “Lexus” very often. The car company, which started with two luxury sedans in 1989, loves food. Over the years, it has become a sponsor of major culinary events throughout the country.

on August 19th, 2013

19

Aug

by Nick Winfrey

While we’ve all put in the hours—and the elbow grease—buffing hoods and waxing wheels and spritzing windshields with streak-free solutions, few of us take the time to care adequately for our cars’ interiors. However, upholstery upkeep is an essential part of any vehicle cleaning regimen, especially for those of us with leather or vinyl surfaces that can quickly crack or fade when neglected. Thankfully, Mothers has your seats (literally) covered with its line of LeatherTech car care products.

on July 18th, 2013

18

Jul

Whether you’re looking to take an extended test drive, or are simply in need of a cool car to tool around town in while on vacation, Toyota has you covered with its new rental car program. Offering a total of 27 models that cover a broad spectrum including sedans, SUVs, trucks and hybrids, Toyota Rent a Car is available at over 85 percent of Toyota and Scion dealerships across the country. Toyota does not have rental stations at airports; however, dealerships do offer off-site pick-up service. Rates are competitive, and 24-hour roadside assistance is complimentary, making the service a viable alternative to traditional rental car companies. Afraid of falling in love with your rental? No worries! Most vehicles are available for sale after four months of service.

on June 25th, 2013

25

Jun

While Aston Martin has long been known for its fast and fuel-thirsty luxury vehicles, a pair of recent partnerships hint at the British badge’s increasing interest in alternative fuels. In May, Aston Martin made racing history by entering the first hydrogen-powered car in an FIA-sanctioned event at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. The result of a collaboration with powertrain specialist Alset Global, the Aston Martin Hybrid Hydrogen Rapide S was also the first car to complete emission-free laps in an international race—at times at speeds of up to 160 mph. Fitted with the same 6.0-liter V12 as the base model Rapide, the four-door sports car can run on pure gaseous hydrogen, standard gasoline, or a combination of both. Although it has already proven itself road-worthy after this grueling event, a production version of the Hybrid Hydrogen Rapide is at least another five years away.

on June 24th, 2013

24

Jun

Armor All Custom Shield Coating is available in black, white and clear

by Michael Gately

Three Months of Stylish Paint & Body Protection

Let’s face it: auto bras, those pesky pieces of vinyl that protect the front-end of your car from road debris, are ugly and quite expensive. Besides, what guy wants to suffer the embarrassment of squeezing his car into a “bra”?

on May 31st, 2013

31

May

STP Gas Booster Concentrated Fuel System Treatment

by Michael Gately

Unless you’re a hard-core gearhead, you might not know that the condition of your car’s fuel system, which transports fuel from your gas tank to the engine, can have an enormous effect on the engine’s performance.

The fuel system (including the fuel tank, fuel pump and filter, emission control system and fuel injector) is susceptible to all types of harmful deposits that can gradually reduce engine power, fuel efficiency and driveability over time.

Enter the STP Gas Booster Concentrated Fuel System Treatment – a powerful fuel additive designed to eliminate these deposits in order to restore your engine to peak performance.

on May 22nd, 2013

22

May

Three-quarter view of iBeetle

Months after shipping Siri out on the road in select Honda models, Apple is now further infiltrating the auto market with the iBeetle, the stylish, high-tech product of a partnership between Volkswagen and the Silicon Valley giant. Available in both coupe and convertible forms, this special-edition Beetle not only offers Apple-inspired design features and color schemes, but also advanced integration for the iPhone and other Macintosh products. Along with an in-dash iPhone dock that allows easy access to Apple’s Siri personal assistant and navigation system, Volkswagen and Apple have also teamed up for an app that allows your phone to communicate directly with your car. Offering Spotify and iTunes integration, a detailed vehicle monitoring system, and a variety of social media platforms that keep drivers connected while on the road, the iBeetle blurs the lines between computer and car. Check back for more information on this innovative vehicle as we near its release date early next year.

on March 21st, 2013

21

Mar

GM’s 4G technology will allow for faster and more sophisticated navigation systems

General Motors recently announced a partnership with AT&T that will bring 4G connectivity to most of its vehicles by 2014. With the new 4G system, cars will act as mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, allowing for back-seat video streaming, more sophisticated navigation and wireless internet access for multiple devices. While some companies such as Ford Motors are relying on systems that work through drivers’ smart phones, GM notes that an in-car 4G system would transfer data ten times faster than existing 3G networks, and holds the potential for constant updates and upgrades through the use of apps. Although the technology is still in the developmental stages, production is on the horizon and consumers can expect 4G in most 2015 model year Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles. However, while General Motors may be the first out of the gates with Wi-Fi on the road, don’t be surprised to see other automakers follow suit in the near future — luxury brands such as Audi and BMW have already expressed interest in developing similar systems.

on February 21st, 2013

21

Feb

In another step towards the iPhone’s ever-increasing ubiquity, Honda has teamed with Apple to integrate support for the software giant’s Siri personal assistant in its vehicles. The first cars slated to receive the high-tech treatment are the 2013 Honda Accord, Acura RDX and Acura ILX.

Dubbed Apple Siri Eyes Free, the service connects to drivers’ iPhones via Bluetooth, bringing the smooth-talking assistant into your car. Through the program, drivers can dictate texts, make phone calls, play music and get directions without ever touching a key or taking their eyes off the road. Developed with the idea of minimizing distraction in mind, Eyes Free works with steering wheel controls, and also keeps phones from lighting up in order to keep the temptation to respond immediately at bay.